Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony
The forty-third annual Golden Joystick Awards took place recently, and in a stunning performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as the top winner. This breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive won the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with prizes for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's success, its skilled performers also were honored with individual awards. Jennifer English was named Outstanding Lead Performance for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Best Supporting Performer for his work as Verso. Moreover, Sandfall Interactive itself received Top Studio. In total, Clair Obscur and its makers collected seven awards during the show.
Additional notable winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Top Sound Design and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, winning Outstanding Independent Game and PC Game of the Year. Notably, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are selected by the public, with only four special—Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough Award, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamers’ Choice—judged by critics.
Following is the complete list of winners from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Excellence in Sound – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Best Visuals – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top DLC – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Indie Game Self Published – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
- Best Development Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access – REPO
- Best Soundtrack – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing - Consoles & PC – Minecraft
- Streamers’ Choice – Peak
- Top Remake – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Rising Star Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Best Supporting Actor – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Lead Performance Award – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame Inductee – The Sims
- Best PC Game – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you missed out on the full event, the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards is available to watch through streaming below.
